This week, Falmouth Town Council gave their support for a brand new student development in Penryn - if changes are made.

If granted, this will be an 1858 bed zero-carbon construction, with sports and leisure facilities, tennis courts, student parking, business startups, and a GP surgery, amongst many other things.

The plans were brought forward to Cornwall Council in September 2018, with the proposed site an area of agricultural land 1 mile north of Penryn at Penvose Farm.

At a meeting of the planning committee on Monday evening, members said they recognised the need for student housing, but did not believe this was the right design or layout.

"We aren't saying we don't want it, but it has to be right," Councillor Spargo commented

The committee said they were not against further student housing, which would ease the housing issues Falmouth currently faces.

However, concerns were raised over the design, layout, connectivity, and the loss of hedgerows.

With no dedicated cycle route outlined on the plans, one councillor said you might be risking a life if you were to take the main road into the university.

Loss of hedgerows was also an issue, although the developers are planning to put more in than they are taking out, it could take decades to get them to the same level as they are now.

"I think they really need to step up and do a decent job on these," said councillor Spargo.

Councillor Young added:

"The key thing is, how does it help the climate emergency?"

Steve Eva continued:

"To me, as long as it passes planning law and takes the pressure off the housing issues in Falmouth I think it is something we should be supporting.

"It is not in our area but I think we should be making a fair comment."

Councillor Eva then proposed to support the application but suggested the developers go back and rethink the layout, design and size.

Jayne Kirkham supported the proposal, subject to cycle routes, electric charging points, and clear efforts made to adjust the design and the size, and hedgerows.

The rest of the planning committee agreed with that motion.

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